By Brittany Kintigh For The Mountain Times
Over the past 18 months, Hoodland Senior Center (HSC) has seen a surge of energy, connection, and community thanks to our Executive Director. I sat down with her to reflect on her journey, the impact of volunteers, and her dreams for the future of HSC.
Q: You’ve been the Executive Director at HSC for a year and a half now. What have the highlights been for you in this role so far?
A: It’s been a blast getting to know so many of our amazing seniors in the community, exploring fundraising opportunities, and witnessing the incredible support our mountain residents show for one another – especially the support shown for this little mountain Senior Center. It’s been super heartwarming to see this senior community come together, support one another, and socialize at our events, whether it’s making new friends or reconnecting with old ones!
Q: April 20–26 was Volunteer Appreciation Week. What are some key ways volunteers help seniors in our community ‘live life to the fullest?’
A: Providing companionship, assisting with daily tasks, supporting mobility, engaging in activities, offering emotional support, helping with health and wellness, and facilitating connection.
Q: What volunteer roles need to be filled right now, and how would they help our seniors?
A: Current volunteer roles needed are individuals wanting to make a difference by serving on our Board of Directors and volunteers that would like to help seniors stay connected to their communities, ensuring they don’t miss out on important events, clubs, or social groups, and fostering a sense of belonging.
Q: Is there anything you would like to say to or about our volunteers?
A: HSC is lucky to have around 30 amazing volunteers who generously give their time and efforts to make sure our seniors’ needs are met. Together, they contribute a whopping 130 hours each month to help keep everything running smoothly. We definitely would not be able to serve as many folks as we do without the help of our dedicated volunteers.
Q: What or who has influenced you most in your career or life?
A: My dad. He was an extraordinary man. He passed away unexpectedly in 2022 and that led me to start volunteering as a Meals on Wheels driver for Hoodland Senior Center. In my journey to process my grief of losing him, my mission became to ensure that the fragile and isolated senior members of my community remained seen and supported. That volunteer work opened up to the opportunity of another way to serve my community as HSC’s executive director.
Q: What is your dream for HSC in the future?
A: My dream for the HSC is to become a hub of activity and support for the seniors in our mountain community. Isolation and lack of resources in our rural area are challenges seniors and disabled folks face. It would be amazing to be able to expand our current programs and create more opportunities for additional programs and resources, to help connect our senior population together to become a stronger community within ourselves.
Q: What values guide you in your work?
A: The values that shape my work are compassion, honesty, and inclusiveness. I aim to approach each situation with empathy and recognize the challenges others might be going through. I believe in inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives and making sure everyone feels welcomed and appreciated.
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
A: I have an irrational fear of snakes. I like to call them danger noodles or nope ropes. They absolutely terrify me! A few months ago, a baby garter snake slithered its way into the senior center while I was alone in the building. I totally panicked and, in my frantic state, thought the only way to deal with the situation was to set the building on fire! (just kidding!) Luckily, a couple of brave volunteers came to my rescue and saved me from the treacherous little beast.
Q: What are HSC’s most popular and most underutilized programs?
A: Our most popular programs are our Meals on Wheels service and transportation to medical appointments. We currently serve over 40 individuals living in the Hoodland Corridor that receive a lunch and friendly face 4 days a week. We provide an average of 60 rides each month. Our most underutilized program is our recreational day trips to various locations each month in Oregon and shopping trips to Sandy in our super cool bus… Usually we go into Sandy once or twice a month with shoppers going to grocery stores and other shops around the town to purchase necessary groceries and other needed items.
From her heartfelt dedication to her hilarious “danger noodle” story, it’s clear Carianne brings both compassion and character to HSC. Her vision, leadership, and love for this community continue to shape the center as a vital lifeline for Hoodland’s seniors.